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View Full Version : KotaRT's (Matt) - Mini Build '13



KotaRT
02-26-2013, 10:38 AM
2003 Dakota R/T CC

Brief history and reason for the build:
Purchased the truck in a last minute decision after losing my first truck to a drunk driver. Since then, it has been extremely reliable and I have had a lot of great memories with it. My reason for doing this build is I would like to have some fun since I am burdened with driving to work everyday and 500 miles to get home on the weekends. Also, the majority of the parts I am replacing have some sort of malfuction or are damaged/needing replacement. Plus, I think getting some information out to the newer guys about simple bolt on's, tunes, etc could help them determine what they want to do with their trucks!

BEFORE PICTURES
Day 1:
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_0532.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_0534.jpg


Here is how she currently sits:
New SS Roll pan, Undercover bed cover, stock tailights, slight tint and other minor modifications.
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_0728.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1069_zps26fe9518.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/671A7D99-1453-4764-B140-F0840678D6C2-1394-00000245A71FE232_zps3e3852ad.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1077_zps83da2404.jpg

[U]Update (26 March 2013):

While I was home on the weekend a few weeks back, I found what appeared to be a snap ring in the transmission pan. I had my truck parked and the transmission has since been rebuilt by a local source who built Top Dragster transmissions for my father, when he used to race.

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/5B274912-B244-47FC-980F-5E59B87BA5FB-4738-00000742F035655E_zps1b0388eb.jpg

Update (6 May 2013):

Transmission that was rebuilt is running extremely well. Excellent shifts.

I tried to install my spintech exhaust, but ran into some clearance and fit issues.

Warning: Do NOT try to install true duals without; welder, torch, mallets/hammers, etc...you see what I'm getting at.

Also, my LM2 O2 sensor port broke as soon as I tried to plug my O2 sensor in..... :fml:

Here are some pictures/videos....



http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1289_zps0a36665b.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/IMG_1289_zps0a36665b.jpg.html)

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1294_zps630d412d.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/IMG_1294_zps630d412d.jpg.html)

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/IMG_1312_zpsde49736d.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/IMG_1312_zpsde49736d.jpg.html)

Here is a video of what the setup (as shown above), sounds like. Yes I am aware of the CEL as well as the oil pressure gauge. This is just headers and down pipes.

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/th_49834420-23E4-4DDD-A85D-83F23A65342C-4941-000007DBEB7A27E4_zps473dabaa.jpg (http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/49834420-23E4-4DDD-A85D-83F23A65342C-4941-000007DBEB7A27E4_zps473dabaa.mp4)





Update (22 May 2013):

Left my truck home, at a shop with the remaining spintech pieces that would not properly fit without special tools, or heat etc.

Overall, this 3" true dual system is a great setup. There were some mistakes and flaws I noticed during this installation.

Make sure you understand, when buying a "kit" like this, not everything will fit 100% properly. You may need to do some minor adjustments.

The first problem I had was the clearance with the headers. Most people I asked simply bolted on the headers and had no issues. I had to make further indentions with my headers in order to even get them to slide up to the exhaust ports from underneath the truck. (Take note, I also installed 1 piece port plates, which I believe are thicker.) After I got the headers on I had to unbolt the steering shaft. I was not able to turn my wheel, so I made further indentions in the headers using a wood block and a hammer. So far, the gaskets have held well, though I suggest getting locking collector bolts.

The down pipes were very well made, and I only have a few complaints about them. The first is that, you will need O2 wire extensions. This isn't really too much of a problem, it's somewhat expected. If you want bigger, better exhaust, you will need longer wires. MAKE SURE you get the correct O2 sensors. I had a hell of a time with advanced auto, trying to get the right ones. Another problem I had, was that the down pipes were not able to be properly placed, so that they could attach to the X pipe. I had to have a 3-4" extension, welded onto the driver side pipe. Also, the driver side pipe had to be heated and bent away from the passenger side pipe, since I only had less than an inch between the 2 separate pipes.

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/E86B57F9-1A5F-49EC-94DE-21572C3EF352-5210-000008176F8D98D0_zps7691168f.jpg

Once the rest of the kit was installed, the only piece left that I did not install was the exhaust tips. According to the rep I spoke with at spintech, lots of people were having trouble with the clamps coming loose and allowing the tips to fall off. Therefore I had my tips spot welded on. I also noticed a clamp on the muffler was loose, so I went ahead and had the post muffler pipes spot welded on as well.

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/76C3D83B-84E0-4BDF-A2B2-42191581AA4D-13263-0000172548715821_zps497bbd04.jpg

The actual tips that are visable were coated, and will obviously be exposed to the elements. The coating on them was very bad, at best. Also, there are still scrapes that were left on my tips from the bending. Which wouldn't normally be a problem, but this is the part of my exhaust people would see.

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/B1EAFF5E-9442-40B8-887B-D05599DD0B7C-13263-00001725655E4497_zps1e1d5f12.jpg


Final Product (with sound test):

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/4C7CFF51-7456-43CC-B02C-3AA0CD624848-13263-00001725EDEF493A_zpsf4fbe5a1.mp4

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/26343860-A6DA-4529-BCDB-704CB959EB7F-13263-000017251EF93C80_zps934091fe.jpg



The main points of this review:
-Great exhaust kit
-Poor Spintech Customer service (once you buy it, don't expect help or understanding)
-GREAT sound
-Some "massaging" is necessary
-Could be a very simple process if you get a muffler shop to install. (unless you have the proper equipment)

Overall I am very happy with this kit, though the customer service I experienced sucked. I would not buy from them again. Next time, I plan on doing my own custom kit, including headers.




Current Mods (Installed):
MP Air Cleaner
D.U.I. Dodge Truck Ignition w/ Screamin Demon Coil
SCT Tuned (FlyinRyan)
4bbl M1 w/ 2bbl Adapter
52mm F&B TB
Spintech Mid Length Headers
Spintech 3" True Dual Exhaust w/ Cats
Freshly Rebuilt Transmission
255/50/17 Riken Raptors
Undercover Bed Cover
SS Roll Pan
4.56 Gears
Detroit Locker
-------------------------------------

Future Mods:
AAR Cowl Hood
X-Brace w/both loops
2800 Stall
14x3 K&N w/Airbox

DakotaNdaytona
02-27-2013, 04:38 AM
I love this kind of stuff. Keep us updated!

KotaRT
02-27-2013, 09:15 PM
I love this kind of stuff. Keep us updated!

Thanks! I enjoy looking through builds as well. It's cool to see how much the project transforms over time! :r/t smile:

DakotaNash
02-28-2013, 12:29 AM
You know doing those mods will cut down on your chat sessions.

KotaRT
02-28-2013, 12:42 AM
You know doing those mods will cut down on your chat sessions.

:lol2: This is true, though I stay in during work incase anyone stops by.

KotaRT
02-28-2013, 12:59 AM
Nice progress, keep us posted.

Oh, bring it to mopars at the rock in April.

Wish I could...I'm stationed in KY and only get to come home on 4 day weekends (federal holidays). So depending on where I am then will determine if I get to come. My hometown is in SC so I'm hoping I can drop by. We shall see.

RTchas
02-28-2013, 02:25 AM
Smexy

BillMopar
03-01-2013, 05:04 PM
nice build, always wanted a r/t as a summer DD

BluRT00
03-02-2013, 03:19 PM
The people of Russia approve of this build Matt.
I'm onto your secret.

White Turbo
03-02-2013, 06:22 PM
The people of Russia approve of this build Matt.
I'm onto your secret.

(Secretly funded by the KGB)

KotaRT
03-26-2013, 12:29 PM
Update!

KotaRT
05-06-2013, 10:56 AM
Update!

KotaRT
05-22-2013, 01:55 PM
UPDATE! (22 May)

Danno
05-22-2013, 02:51 PM
Just one question, why did you put the headers in from underneath? lol. They virtually drop right in from the top....

Looks good! Dont know how it sounds, cant listen at work... lol

Damn that thing is a 4x4..... :finger:

KotaRT
05-22-2013, 02:57 PM
Just one question, why did you put the headers in from underneath? lol. They virtually drop right in from the top....

Looks good! Dont know how it sounds, cant listen at work... lol

Damn that thing is a 4x4..... :finger:

The driver side would not go through the top. Of course the passenger side was easy. If I didn't have all the EVAP crap and the rest of the useless shit in the bay on drivers side it would have been easier. Installing the header from underneath was actually super easy as long as it clears the steering shaft.

And yes I know it looks like a 4x4!! That's why I need to hurry up and get my hotchkis goodies!!!

Danno
05-22-2013, 03:07 PM
Just gotta pull the sparkplugs on that side and it would have dropped right in ;) well with a little manovering, but yeah, they go in from the top relatively easy.

Anyway, you got em in there :biggthumpup:

Hotchkis to come!

KotaRT
05-22-2013, 04:34 PM
Just gotta pull the sparkplugs on that side and it would have dropped right in ;) well with a little manovering, but yeah, they go in from the top relatively easy.

Anyway, you got em in there :biggthumpup:

Hotchkis to come!

That's my motto..."If I can squeeze it in there, it's good enough for me"

KotaRT
08-01-2013, 01:06 AM
UPDATE!

31 July 2013 (M1 Install)

BEFORE:

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/C5DCE9C1-5165-4360-B7B4-7D7F9E71DDEB-5595-000006F0B0E0F9AC_zps348dd71b.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/C5DCE9C1-5165-4360-B7B4-7D7F9E71DDEB-5595-000006F0B0E0F9AC_zps348dd71b.jpg.html)

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/EEE4C7E2-9789-4F3C-9C6C-417D763C3F43-5595-000006F0B874B9B7_zpsc5f5dd35.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/EEE4C7E2-9789-4F3C-9C6C-417D763C3F43-5595-000006F0B874B9B7_zpsc5f5dd35.jpg.html)

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/CDCCE1FC-48A7-4B22-A9AB-8114EB5FFA35-5595-000006F0BEEDD85D_zps01704747.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/CDCCE1FC-48A7-4B22-A9AB-8114EB5FFA35-5595-000006F0BEEDD85D_zps01704747.jpg.html)

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/21E46949-6083-4B68-8907-2EF22EE0F2AC-5595-000006F0C4B19196_zps88287214.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/21E46949-6083-4B68-8907-2EF22EE0F2AC-5595-000006F0C4B19196_zps88287214.jpg.html)

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/5862A0B7-7201-4A82-90D3-A76F5C695878-5595-000006F0CAD6DB02_zpsd8dac0c2.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/5862A0B7-7201-4A82-90D3-A76F5C695878-5595-000006F0CAD6DB02_zpsd8dac0c2.jpg.html)

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/783C0C49-4CB4-4B42-8055-E76B5A01BFEC-5595-000006F0D13675D7_zps32be9c2b.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/783C0C49-4CB4-4B42-8055-E76B5A01BFEC-5595-000006F0D13675D7_zps32be9c2b.jpg.html)

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/55BE42BC-61A5-4EAF-B7FC-EEAB32AEE00C-5595-000006F0D67126C8_zps5ac8d52c.jpg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/matthewclary16/media/55BE42BC-61A5-4EAF-B7FC-EEAB32AEE00C-5595-000006F0D67126C8_zps5ac8d52c.jpg.html)

wyotech_cuda440
08-01-2013, 01:54 AM
Nice Matt!

Although, you should have cleaned the VCs while everything was out of the way ;)

So, how does it run?

Cheezie
08-01-2013, 04:21 AM
Looks like you did a good job bud!!

Clean that engine bay up, hide that pcm and take some steel wool to all those hard lines!

Kotta390
08-01-2013, 04:49 AM
Nice Matt!! Keep it up :)

Broo42
08-01-2013, 07:42 AM
:biggthumpup:

KotaRT
08-01-2013, 11:58 PM
Nice Matt!

Although, you should have cleaned the VCs while everything was out of the way ;)

So, how does it run?

It wouldn't have done me any good...a day after driving my heater core bypass broke somehow and coolant went EVERY WHERE!! So I just washed everything :D


I'll probably (at some point) put on some trick heads too. So much more to come... I know it's nothing compared to a lot of trucks on here but it's progress.

She runs like ass honestly...though I have only really noticed a small difference in throttle response at low RPMs...

I'm not sure, I've been driving so many cars recently, it's tough for me to tell differences sometimes...I'm installing LM2 and waiting on a 52mm TB from Ryan and then the bitch will run like she should.

KotaRT
08-02-2013, 12:01 AM
OH! Another big question...where do you guys with M1s put your intake air temp sensor!? I zip tied it near the air cleaner for now....

Cheezie
08-02-2013, 12:54 AM
OH! Another big question...where do you guys with M1s put your intake air temp sensor!? I zip tied it near the air cleaner for now....

Mine is in the intake, I was told to swap it somewhere closer to the air cleaner... just haven't had time to do anything with it yet

sunike32
08-02-2013, 01:07 AM
My intake doesn't have a hole for it, so I had a bung welded to the underside of my open element base and put it there.

Cheezie
08-02-2013, 01:17 AM
My intake doesn't have a hole for it, so I had a bung welded to the underside of my open element base and put it there.

Post a picture ninja!!

sunike32
08-02-2013, 01:34 AM
Post a picture ninja!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/sunike32/4B6C5974-A53E-49A7-AFD2-2D81E181EEFE-467-000000448536A025_zps445035a0.jpg

Cheezie
08-02-2013, 01:39 AM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/sunike32/4B6C5974-A53E-49A7-AFD2-2D81E181EEFE-467-000000448536A025_zps445035a0.jpg

Awesome!!

KotaRT
08-02-2013, 10:16 PM
damn, I need to get a cowl hood and a better ope element. I'm doing this intake manifold a disservice by using a shitty filter and TB lol.

SShiTbox
08-03-2013, 09:00 PM
Man I love having all the room under hood on the SShiTbox but damn I wish I didn't have the West Virginia buck tooth over hang above the distributor and air cleaner. Looks good.

KotaRT
09-17-2013, 07:58 PM
UPDATE: 17 Sept. 2013

4.56 Gears, Detroit Locker, master install kit...just got the PATC 2800 Stall Converter in today, so I might be able to get that done this week as well. Heater core still needs to be replaced.

And yes, I know it's dirty, she will get a good wash and some scotch brite/rattle can paint to make her look brand new! :biggthumpup:

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh524/matthewclary16/50B99106-612E-4A5A-A295-2CBB5DA78024-3886-000005B85090CBD8_zps84d446ec.jpg

Kotta390
09-17-2013, 08:01 PM
Looks damn good!!

KotaRT
09-17-2013, 08:42 PM
Looks damn good!!

Thanks Mike! Can't really do much with it now, just pootin around town, but I'm excited to see what a difference it will make when I make more power and I'm through the break in period.